30 December 2013

30 December 2013 - Charli XCX - Take My Hand

This is most likely my last post of 2013. So I chose to feature an artist that's been on this blog no less than four times already (including once with Icona Pop). And each time, you've reacted with zeal - all of them have gotten you reading, and three of them rank among our ten biggest posts of all time - including the top two.

Charlotte Aitchison took four years to write, record and release what would be her fantastic debut album (and my pick for 2013 album of the year), True Romance. She released singles from the album as she recorded them, and made videos for many of them. This was the sixth (and final) video from that album, commissioned by Urban Outfitters and released in the wake of "I Love It (I Don't Care)" (a personal finalist for 2013 single of the year, by the way).

That's right. You didn't think Charli XCX was her real name, did you? Supposedly, the XCX came from an early signoff fo from her MySpace/YouTube releases - the X's are kisses, and the C is, well, Charli. And it stuck.

The more you know.

In my opinion, this is the poppiest song from the album - and even it's a little dark. Some people have compared it to Madonna's "Holiday" in energy level and subject matter. I agree - and I think this is the beginning of something big.

You might notice, if you are familiar with her other videos - specifically "What I Like" - some of the same background actors in this one. They're Charli's friends, people. She's only JUST 21. Let's not forget how young she is and how accomplished.... and let's admire the fact that she's taking her mates along for the ride.

This is a live show from Philadelphia, recorded June 2, 2013. Let's all be clear - this is someone who has not been top-billed on any pop hits. The Icona Pop song doesn't count - because, let's be honest, most of the time "feat. Charli XCX" is dropped from that description (even though she wrote the song - but I'm not bitter) - so this is someone who doesn't have any American pop hits.

And yet the crowd is singing along.

This isn't a fluke. This is from the very next night in Brooklyn. June 3rd. Even more energetic singing.

My point - watch for more Charli XCX in 2014. Her new album is expected to be released in June. Her time is coming. And you can gloat and say that you heard her first.